NEO Vortex Brushless Motor — REV-21-1652
Overview
The NEO Vortex is Team 2890’s standard drive motor for swerve modules. It’s a high-power sensored brushless motor with integrated encoder memory and a dockable interface that connects directly to the SPARK Flex motor controller.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal Voltage | 12V | Standard FRC battery |
| Motor Kv | 565 Kv | RPM per volt |
| Free Speed | 6784 RPM | @ 12V no load |
| Stall Current | 211A | Maximum starting current |
| Stall Torque | 3.6 Nm | Maximum starting torque |
| Peak Output Power | 640W | |
| Typical Output (40A) | 375W | Sustained working power |
| Weight | 447g (0.99 lbs) | |
| Encoder Resolution (SPARK Flex) | 7168 CPR | With high-res firmware update |
Mechanical specs
- Shaft: 1/2” hex through-bore with 7.5° taper
- Mounting: 10-32 threaded holes on 2” bolt circle
- Docked body length: 79.7mm (with SPARK Flex docked)
- Through-bore: Compatible with hex shafts, 8mm keyed, Falcon spline, MAXSwerve key, 7-tooth 20DP gear
Features
- High-resolution integrated encoder
- Integrated motor parameter and calibration memory (auto-configures with SPARK Flex)
- Dual sensor direct-contact winding temperature sensing
- No motor wires — reliable dock connectors for phases and sensor
- Through-hex bore for quick-change shaft system
Connection to Training
For students: The NEO Vortex is the power plant. Understanding:
- Kv rating (565 Kv) — at 12V, spins at ~6784 RPM under no load
- Stall vs. free speed — torque is highest at stall, speed is highest at no load
- Current draw — 211A stall means the battery and wiring must handle high current surges
- Temperature sensing — dual sensors protect the motor from overheating
This is a good bridge between physics (Pmec = τ × ω) and real hardware.
Related
- swerving-modules — the MK4i modules this motor drives
- spark-flex — the motor controller that drives this motor
- motor-basics — fundamental motor physics (Kv, torque, power relationships)
- 2890-codebase-index — YAGSL configuration for NEO Vortex + SPARK Flex
Notes
Chris and team use these with SPARK Flex controllers in the MK4i swerve modules. The dockable design eliminates external motor wiring — phases and sensor data pass through the dock connection. This is a significant reliability improvement over bullet-wire connections.